US Lighthouses Map: Interactive map of US lighthouses and navigational aids

What it does

US Lighthouses Map is an interactive web map displaying over 59,000 active US Coast Guard navigational aids and lighthouses. Users can search for specific light stations by name and view details including location, light characteristic (flash patterns and colors), ranges, and any Coast Guard remarks. The data comes from the 2025 Coast Guard Light List, updated annually.

Who it is for

The tool targets lighthouse enthusiasts, maritime researchers, and people interested in American coastal infrastructure. It also serves boaters and mariners seeking information about navigational beacons, though the site explicitly states the map is for informational purposes only and must not be used as an actual navigational aid.

Pricing

The site does not show prices.

How it stands out

The creator identified a real frustration: the Coast Guard publishes an official Light List, but no single interactive map existed to visualize all 59,000+ active stations. Previously, finding this information required either consulting static government documents or conducting scattered Wikipedia searches. This tool aggregates official government data into a searchable, map-based interface that makes light characteristics—the specific flash patterns and colors that identify each beacon—immediately understandable to non-specialists.

The site also links to Lighthouse Friends, a companion resource with historical information and photos, creating a more complete resource for enthusiasts.

What a founder should check

Someone building a competing product should verify these points:

Data availability and freshness. The Coast Guard Light List is public and updated annually. A rival would need to ensure they can reliably ingest and update this data on schedule. Any delay in incorporating new or deactivated stations could reduce accuracy.

User demand and monetization. The current site appears free with no visible pricing model. A founder should research whether users would pay for features like historical comparisons, export capabilities, or integration with marine navigation software. Determine if this audience size can support a sustainable business.

Switching costs and feature depth. This launch is minimal—a map with searchable data. Incumbents might include existing navigation apps, government websites, and niche maritime software. A founder should identify which features would create lock-in: offline access, advanced filtering, mobile apps, API access for other developers, or community contributions like historical photos and stories.

Thinking of building something like this?

Every launch here is a competitor to somebody's idea. If yours is close, check it against the market before you build: the Full Check names the rivals, the prices and the gaps.